§ Mr. SUMMERBELLasked the President of the Local Government Board if he has received a communication from the Society for the Reform of School Discipline as to the excessive flogging at the Ashton-under-Lyne workhouse of the boys Finncran and Porter, in which it is pointed out that the boy Finncran, who it is alleged was extremely flogged, was not called and examined by the guardians, although his relatives are prepared to produce him, and, further, that until such time as a public inquiry has been held and witnesses called who examined the boys after the flogging, it is difficult to say whether the punishments were lawfully inflicted; and whether, in view of all the additional evidence now offered, he is prepared to institute an inquiry into the whole matter?
§ Mr. J. BURNSI have received a communication from the society referred to. I understand that the workhouse committee appointed a deputation to examine the boy Finncran, but that they were unable to do so, as he had left the union. It does not appear to me that any such additional evidence has been adduced as would render necessary a public inquiry into the matter.